Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has hailed Red Devils protege Mason Greenwood as a "star in the making" but warned the youngster to focus on his football amid some recent off-the-pitch troubles.

Greenwood burst onto the scene in United colours last year but has failed to make the same impact in the early stages of the 2020-21 campaign, with the striker firstly breaching COVID-19 protocols in Iceland with Phil Foden.

Red Devils chiefs have reportedly raised further questions over Greenwood's attitude in the past few days, but Cole is certain that the 19-year-old will come good at Old Trafford so long as he puts his recent misdemeanours behind him.

"He's a star in the making. If he gets his head right then he's definitely a star in the making. 100%," Cole said in quotes attributed to The Mirror.

"I'm hoping he will come through this. What's really upset me through this situation is I'm not sure why everyone keeps hounding him the way they do.

"He's a baby. If you don't make mistakes when you're a baby, when do you make your mistakes? In your 50s? He's a boy and he's made mistakes, he's held his hands up and let him go out there and play his football.

"Now judge him on his football because if we're judging him as an 18-year-old boy against what the average 18-year-old gets up to then we'll see what they all get up to.

"Judge him on his ability, he's made a mistake and apologised and now please just let him play his football now. They've left Foden alone, but let's continue to hammer Greenwood. It's just not right.

"He's got so much to his game, he can go both sides, he can score goals and do everything. I'm sure that he can come through this."

Greenwood has amassed 19 goals in 61 games for United across all competitions, but the teenager is yet to get off the mark in the current Premier League campaign.